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Immerse yourself in the history of Chicago's artistic founders and the world-renowned collection at the Art Institute. As a leading art school and museum for almost 130 years, the Art Institute has amassed a collection spanning 5,000 years of human expression. Learn from expert curatorial staff and professional museum education art historians as they lead you through gallery walks and discussions in the museum galleries.

Highlights

• Enjoy early access to the museum each morning before it opens to the public, and expert-led discussions before original works of art without the crowds.
• Examine ideas, techniques and achievements from Ancient Egypt to modern America.
• Includes an expert-led exploration of the Art Institute’s new Modern Wing and Marc Chagall’s recently reinstalled “America Windows,” plus admission to all special exhibitions.

Program Notes

Topics vary by date, please see Date Notes for details. You may be interested in a three-night version of this program (#17465). All dates include admission to all special exhibitions. Click here to see the most up-to-date exhibition information.

Activity Notes

Walking up to one mile. Portable canvas stools used for gallery lectures. Wheelchairs available.Date Notes8/16/2015This program includes a guided exploration of the first major exhibition of sculpture by acclaimed contemporary artist Charles Ray. Day 4's downtown architectural walking excursion takes you on a journey to explore monumental works of public art by Modern masters.9/20/2015Join us for a week devoted to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art as we explore works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, van Gogh and others. Day 4's downtown architectural walking excursion takes you on a journey to explore monumental works of public art by Modern masters. This program also includes a guided exploration of the first major exhibition of sculpture by acclaimed contemporary artist Charles Ray.10/4/2015Program includes access to the special exhibition "Gates of the Lord: The Tradition of Krishna Paintings." Day 4's downtown architectural walking excursion takes you on a journey to explore monumental works of public art by Modern masters.11/1/2015Join us for a week devoted to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art as we explore works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, van Gogh and others. Day 4's downtown architectural walking excursion takes you on a journey to explore monumental works of public art by Modern masters. Also see the special exhibition "Gates of the Lord: The Tradition of Krishna Paintings."11/8/2015See the special exhibition "Gates of the Lord: The Tradition of Krishna Paintings." Discover Chicago's Modern architectural landscape during Day 4's downtown architectural walking excursion.Coordinated by the Art Institute of Chicago.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!